The transmission of gender (in-)equality through commercial links

Global firms employ significantly more women than non-global firms. Commercial ties serve as channels for transmitting social norms from partner countries, influencing workforce composition in global firms. Exposure to gender-equal norms increases the share of female workers across job types - but not in top management positions, where the effect vanishes. In gender-unequal commercial environments, global firms are significantly less likely to have female top managers, suggesting a "race to the bottom" in leadership. To ensure inclusive benefits of globalization, policy interventions should focus on advancing women into senior roles, where equality gains currently fall short.